In the context of today’s stress-laden society, a recent survey conducted by the Japan Productivity Centre has shed light on a concerning rise in mental health issues among young employees in relation to their work.
The survey, which engaged HR personnel from listed organizations, uncovered a notable surge in the prevalence of mental health challenges among employees in their teens and 20s. The figure soared to a record high of 43.9%, a significant increase from the 29% reported in the previous year, 2021. Equally alarming is the increase observed among employees in their 30s, reaching a new high of 26.8%.
While the mental health rate for employees in their teens and 20s exhibited a gradual increase since 2008, it had remained relatively stable during the 2017, 2019, and 2021 surveys. The Japan Productivity Centre attributes this sudden spike to the unique challenges faced by younger employees who entered the workforce during the pandemic. Their struggles in forming interpersonal connections and acquiring essential work skills while adapting to remote work arrangements have undoubtedly contributed to heightened stress levels.
Beyond individual challenges, the survey also brought attention to a shift in the overall perception of mental health within the workplace. Historically, the percentage of organizations reporting an increase in mental health issues had been on a downward trend since 2006, reaching a low of 22.9% in 2021. However, the most recent survey indicates a stark reversal of this trend, with the percentage surging to 45%. This increase aligns with a decrease in the number of organizations asserting that emotional struggles among employees either remained unchanged or were on a declining trajectory.